Assertion–Reason (History of the Steam Engine):\nAssertion (A): The steam engine was invented by James Watt.\nReason (R): There was a pressing problem of removing water from flooded mines.

Introduction / Context:
This item checks historical accuracy about the steam engine’s origins and distinguishes between “invention” and “improvement.” It also references the real 18th-century industrial problem of pumping water from mines.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Assertion: James Watt invented the steam engine.
• Reason: Pumping floodwater from mines was a major problem needing technological solutions.

Concept / Approach:
Historically, Thomas Savery (1698) and Thomas Newcomen (early 1700s) created practical atmospheric/steam engines for pumping water from mines before James Watt. Watt (1760s–1770s) revolutionized efficiency by introducing the separate condenser and other enhancements, leading to widespread industrial adoption. Thus, saying Watt “invented” the steam engine is inaccurate; he significantly improved it.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Evaluate A: Strictly false—Watt is not the original inventor, though common parlance credits him for transformative improvements.2) Evaluate R: True—drainage of mines drove early steam technology.3) Relation: A is false, R is true; the reason is historically correct but does not turn A to true.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare timelines: Savery’s “fire engine” patent (1698), Newcomen atmospheric engines (from ~1712), Watt’s separate condenser patent (1769).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Treating A as true ignores pre-Watt pioneers; claiming R false denies the well-documented mining impetus.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “made it efficient and popular” with “invented.”

Final Answer:
A is false but R is true.